Morocco and UAE strengthen security ties during Hammouchi’s visit

Thursday 25 September 2025 - 15:45

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and UAE strengthen security ties during Hammouchi’s visit

Abdellatif Hammouchi, the General Director of Morocco’s Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), is leading a high-level delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance security cooperation between the two countries. The visit, which began on Tuesday, reflects the strong bilateral ties that extend beyond security into economic collaboration.

Hammouchi met with Talal Rachid Al Zaabi, the UAE’s Director of Security, to discuss pressing regional and international security challenges, including terrorism and extremism, particularly in conflict zones such as Africa’s Sahel region. The discussions focused on strengthening operational cooperation to counter threats like transnational organized crime and terrorism.

A statement from Morocco’s DGST emphasized that the two officials are committed to activating joint security operations and diversifying cooperation through expertise sharing and information exchange. The meeting also explored new ways to expand bilateral collaboration in tackling global security issues.

Ongoing collaboration in security

Hammouchi’s visit continues a series of high-level exchanges between Moroccan and Emirati officials in recent years. In July, Morocco hosted Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, the head of the UAE’s National Intelligence Service, to discuss security cooperation. Hammouchi also visited the UAE in September 2024, where he met with top officials and reviewed the operations of security institutions, including Abu Dhabi Police’s Criminal Security Sector and special patrols division.

These ongoing exchanges aim to promote investments in police training and deepen operational collaboration to address evolving security threats.

Economic ties reinforce partnership

While security remains a cornerstone of Morocco-UAE relations, the two nations also enjoy robust economic ties. Trade between Morocco and the UAE grew significantly from $1 billion in 2022 to $1.3 billion in 2023, marking a 30% increase. The UAE has emerged as Morocco’s top Arab investor and ranks third globally in terms of total foreign investments.

According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Morocco plays a vital role as an economic partner. Emirati investments span both public and private sectors, underlining the strategic nature of their partnership.

Hammouchi’s visit underscores the multifaceted relationship between Morocco and the UAE, combining close security cooperation with dynamic economic engagement.